Request for Public Input About Implementation of the Conservation Practices To Support Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, 88719-88721 [2024-26051]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices replacement of poles, circuit breakers, conductors, transformers, and crossarms. B4.11 Electric power substations and interconnection facilities—Construction or modification of electric power substations or interconnection facilities (including, but not limited to, switching stations and support facilities). B4.12 Construction of powerlines— Construction of electric powerlines approximately 10 miles in length or less, or approximately 20 miles in length or less within previously disturbed or developed powerline or pipeline rights-of-way. BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 B5.16 Solar Photovoltaic Systems—(a) The installation, modification, operation, or decommissioning of commercially available solar photovoltaic systems: (1) Located on a building or other structure (such as rooftop, parking lot or facility, or mounted to signage, lighting, gates, or fences); or (2) Located within a previously disturbed or developed area. (b) Covered actions would be in accordance with applicable requirements (such as land use and zoning requirements) in the proposed project area and the integral elements listed at the start of appendix B of this 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 Dated: November 5, 2024. Jacqueline Emanuel, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2024–26036 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] B4.13 Upgrading and Rebuilding Existing Powerlines—Upgrading or rebuilding existing electric powerlines, which may involve relocations of small segments of the powerlines within an existing powerline right-of-way or within otherwise previously disturbed or developed lands (as discussed at 10 CFR 1021.410(g)(1)). Upgrading or rebuilding existing electric powerlines also may involve widening an existing powerline right-of-way to meet current electrical standards if the widening remains within previously disturbed or developed lands and only extends into a small area beyond such lands as needed to comply with applicable electrical standards. Covered actions would be in accordance with applicable requirements, including the integral elements listed at the start of appendix B of this part; and would incorporate appropriate design and construction standards, control technologies, and best management practices. This categorical exclusion does not apply to underwater powerlines. As used in this categorical exclusion, ‘‘small’’ has the meaning discussed at 10 CFR 1021.410(g)(2). VerDate Sep<11>2014 part and would be consistent with applicable plans for the management of wildlife and habitat, including plans to maintain habitat connectivity, and incorporate appropriate control technologies and best management practices. [Docket ID NRCS–2024–0015] Request for Public Input About Implementation of the Conservation Practices To Support Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. ACTION: Request for information. AGENCY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests public input for the improvement of the Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) to maximize climate mitigation and adaptation benefits, as supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature. Conservation practices providing climate benefits are delivered through existing conservation programs popular with producers, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP); Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP); Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP); Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP); and Conservation Technical Assistance. These programs are funded through both the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Farm Bill. DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by December 23, 2024. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent possible. ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments in response to this notice. You may submit your comments through one of the following methods below: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRCS–2024–0015. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments; or • Mail or Hand Delivery: Ms. Sara del Fierro, Climate Mitigation Lead, NRCS Climate Office, Office of the Chief, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 88719 NRCS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, South Building, Room 4613, Washington, DC 20250. In your comment, please specify the Docket ID NRCS–2024–0015. All comments received, including those received by mail, will be posted without change and made publicly available on https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana Ashford-Kornburger, National Climate Coordinator, at (202) 205–9434, or by email at dana.ashford@usda.gov. Individuals who require alternative means for communication may contact the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720– 2600 (voice and text telephone (TTY)) or dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay service (both voice and text telephone users can initiate this call from any telephone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Voluntary, incentive-based approaches in agriculture play an important role in the United States’ effort to address climate change. NRCS conservation programs support financial and technical assistance for producers to improve soil carbon; reduce nitrogen losses; or reduce, capture, avoid, or sequester carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production for several NRCS programs. The additional funding through the IRA provides NRCS with an unprecedented opportunity to implement conservation practices that provide climate mitigation benefits and quantify greenhouse gas emission reductions and carbon sequestration. For EQIP and CSP conservation activities, IRA funding may be used for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities and appropriate facilitating practices supporting their functions. While the IRA funding is focused on CPS that provide climate change mitigation benefits, NRCS also assists producers in addressing climate change impacts by providing climate change adaptation options and benefits. As part of the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan,1 NRCS is integrating climate information into current business procedures, assessments, and opportunities including CPS. All CPS are reviewed at least once every 5 years. This request provides the public an opportunity to provide input at the beginning of the 1 We published our Climate Change Adaptation Plan on our website in July 2022; it is available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/202209/1_FPAC_NRCS_ClimateAdaptationPlan_ 2022.pdf. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 88720 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices review cycle for several CPS. NRCS will consider public comments, technical literature references, and input from subject matter experts and researchers. The CPS review process facilitates inclusion of new scientific findings, updated or new technology, and implementation experience. While NRCS welcomes comments on all CPS, as a priority NRCS is requesting input on the CPS listed in the two tables below, which are at the beginning of the review process. NRCS is also specifically requesting additional data and scientific literature related to the evaluation criteria and implementation that maximizes climate-related benefits. benefits associated with conservation practices. Adaptation NRCS is also seeking input to improve CPS to assist producers in adapting to and building resilience to current and future climate changes, including seasonal temperature shifts and extremes; drought; increasing wildfire hazards; sea level rise; movement of invasive species; and other issues. Information provided through this request will help NRCS identify and prioritize improvements to CPS or associated technical guidance. NRCS will identify immediate changes to be implemented for available funding for fiscal year 2026 and will continue to identify and adopt additional changes in the future. TABLE 1—CPS FOR REVIEW THAT ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERED CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND List of Questions for Commenters FORESTRY MITIGATION ACTIVITIES Code 313 314 315 336 338 367 383 420 554 590 592 632 643 .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... 666 .......... Name Waste Storage Facility. Brush Management. Herbaceous Weed Treatment. Soil Carbon Amendment. Prescribed Burning. Roofs and Covers. Fuel Break. Wildlife Habitat Planting. Drainage Water Management. Nutrient Management. Feed Management. Waste Separation Facility. Restoration of Rare or Declining Natural Communities. Forest Stand Improvement. TABLE 2—CPS FOR REVIEW THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY CONSIDERED CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY MITIGATION ACTIVITIES Code 316 .......... 360 .......... 605 .......... Name Animal Mortality Facility. Waste Facility Closure. Denitrifying Bioreactor. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Mitigation NRCS is seeking input on improvements to maximize climate benefits to CPS currently considered Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities 2 as well as input regarding other conservation practices and innovative technologies or strategies that may also result in climate change mitigation benefits. NRCS also requests information to support the agency’s estimation of the mitigation 2 The Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities List is available at https:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/ NRCS-CSAF-Mitigation-Activities-List.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 The list of questions below is not exhaustive and serves only to assist members of the public in formulating comments on some of the most important issues that NRCS is considering as it relates to CPS with consideration of climate change benefits. For responses, please consider including, if available: specific requirements, tools, procedures, etc. supported by scientific literature, handbooks, or other technical standards that support a specific implementation of CPS to maximize the mitigation benefits or provide benefits (for those not considered mitigation activities); and planning or design details that would further enhance the mitigation benefits of the conservation practice. The questions are not intended to restrict the feedback that members of the public may provide. Climate Change Mitigation 1. What changes are needed to CPS to add flexibility or support implementation options to provide mitigation benefits? When evaluating conservation activities for inclusion on the Climate-Smart Mitigation Activity List, NRCS considers the following criteria: a. Mitigation Benefit: An implementation of the activity is expected to result in a direct impact on either (or both) the carbon or nitrogen cycle, resulting in net greenhouse gas emission reduction or removal (that is, carbon sequestration) within a given scope (for example, geography, timeframe, or system) as supported by the scientific literature; and b. Quantification of Estimated Benefit: For the activity under consideration, NRCS should have a science-based approach for quantitatively estimating PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 annual mitigation benefits at a scale consistent with available NRCS activity data. 2. What additional technical guidance should NRCS provide or develop to support planning, designing, and implementing the CPS in a way to maximize mitigation benefits? Input may include specific implementation of CPS to maximize the mitigation benefits or provide benefits (for those not considered mitigation activities). 3. What models, methods, data, literature, and tools should NRCS consider as it develops and refines its estimation of the climate change mitigation benefits associated with CPS? Climate Change Adaptation 1. What changes are needed to CPS to add flexibility or support implementation options in a way that considers potential climate change impacts and provides adaptation benefits, when possible? 2. What additional technical guidance should NRCS provide to support planning, designing, and implementing the CPS to ensure consideration of climate change impacts and maximize adaptation? Input may include specific implementation of CPS to maximize the adaptation benefits. Innovation 1. What other innovative, economically viable ideas, technologies, or solutions are available to provide climate change mitigation or adaptation benefits that NRCS should consider for development of a new CPS? Maximizing the Value of Public Feedback NRCS plans to use the answers provided by the public to inform its approach to improve CPS. NRCS encourages public comment on these questions and requests any other information, scientific literature, or data that commenters believe are relevant to this request. NRCS is particularly interested in feedback that identifies specific CPS and includes scientific literature citations, data, guidance, benefit estimation methods, procedures or processes, and actionable information, data, or viable alternatives that would assist in implementing programmatic goals and requirements. You may contact us by sending an email to: SM.FPAC.NRCS.CLIMATE@ usda.gov, if you have questions or concerns. Please specify the Docket ID: NRCS–2024–0015 in the subject line. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices Review of Public Feedback NRCS will use the public comments to inform review of our CPS and associated technical documents. This document is issued solely for informational purposes and program planning purposes. Public comments provided in response to this document will not bind NRCS to any further actions, including publication of any formal response or agreement to initiate a recommended change. NRCS will consider the feedback in the public comments and make changes or consider improvements at our sole discretion. Finally, comments submitted in response to this document will not be considered as petitions for rulemaking submitted as specified in the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(e)). ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 USDA Non-Discrimination Policy In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family or parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Individuals who require alternative means of communication for program information (for example, braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and text telephone (TTY)) or dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and text telephone users can initiate this call from any phone). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD– 3027, found online at https:// www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-aprogram-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632–9992. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410; (2) Fax: (202) 690– 7442; or (3) email: program.intake@ usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Louis Aspey, Associate Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service. [FR Doc. 2024–26051 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–16–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board Dated: November 5, 2024. Elizabeth Whiteman, Executive Secretary. BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 78; Authorization of Production Activity; AESC US LLC; (Lithium-Ion Battery Cells); Smyrna, Tennessee On July 8, 2024, AESC US LLC submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board for its facility within Subzone 78L, in Smyrna, Tennessee. The notification was processed in accordance with the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR part 400), including notice in the Federal Register inviting public comment (89 FR 57852, July 16, 2024). On November 5, 2024, the applicant was notified of the FTZ Board’s decision that no further review of the activity is warranted at this time. The production activity described in the notification was authorized, subject to the FTZ Act and the FTZ Board’s regulations, including section 400.14. Dated: November 5, 2024. Elizabeth Whiteman, Executive Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–26023 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B–39–2024] Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 75; Authorization of Production Activity; LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc.; (Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Cells and Lithium Iron Phosphate PouchType Batteries); Queen Creek, Arizona On July 8, 2024, City of Phoenix, grantee of FTZ 75, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board on behalf of Frm 00025 LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc., within Subzone 75V, in Queen Creek, Arizona. The notification was processed in accordance with the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR part 400), including notice in the Federal Register inviting public comment (89 FR 57851–57852, July 16, 2024). On November 5, 2024, the applicant was notified of the FTZ Board’s decision that no further review of the activity is warranted at this time. The production activity described in the notification was authorized, subject to the FTZ Act and the FTZ Board’s regulations, including section 400.14. [FR Doc. 2024–26022 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] [B–40–2024] PO 00000 88721 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security Rossiya Airlines, Pilotov St 18–4, St. Petersburg, Russia, 196210; Order Renewing Temporary Denial of Export Privileges Pursuant to section 766.24 of the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730–774 (‘‘EAR’’ or ‘‘the Regulations’’),1 I hereby grant the request of the Office of Export Enforcement (‘‘OEE’’) to renew the temporary denial order (‘‘TDO’’) issued in this matter on November 8, 2023. I find that renewal of this order is necessary in the public interest to prevent an imminent violation of the Regulations and that renewal for an extended period is appropriate because Rossiya Airlines (‘‘Rossiya’’) has engaged in a pattern of repeated, ongoing and/or continuous apparent violations of the EAR. 1 On August 13, 2018, the President signed into law the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which includes the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, 50 U.S.C. 4801–4852 (‘‘ECRA’’). While section 1766 of ECRA repeals the provisions of the Export Administration Act, 50 U.S.C. app. sec. 2401 et seq. (‘‘EAA’’), (except for three sections which are inapplicable here), section 1768 of ECRA provides, in pertinent part, that all orders, rules, regulations, and other forms of administrative action that were made or issued under the EAA, including as continued in effect pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. (‘‘IEEPA’’), and were in effect as of ECRA’s date of enactment (August 13, 2018), shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, superseded, set aside, or revoked through action undertaken pursuant to the authority provided under ECRA. Moreover, section 1761(a)(5) of ECRA authorizes the issuance of temporary denial orders. 50 U.S.C. 4820(a)(5). E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 88719-88721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-26051]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service

[Docket ID NRCS-2024-0015]


Request for Public Input About Implementation of the Conservation 
Practices To Support Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Request for information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests 
public input for the improvement of the Conservation Practice Standards 
(CPS) to maximize climate mitigation and adaptation benefits, as 
supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature. Conservation 
practices providing climate benefits are delivered through existing 
conservation programs popular with producers, including the 
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP); Conservation 
Stewardship Program (CSP); Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 
(ACEP); Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP); and 
Conservation Technical Assistance. These programs are funded through 
both the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Farm Bill.

DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by December 23, 2024. 
Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent 
possible.

ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments in response to this notice. 
You may submit your comments through one of the following methods 
below:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRCS-2024-0015. Follow the 
online instructions for submitting comments; or
     Mail or Hand Delivery: Ms. Sara del Fierro, Climate 
Mitigation Lead, NRCS Climate Office, Office of the Chief, NRCS, USDA, 
1400 Independence Avenue, South Building, Room 4613, Washington, DC 
20250. In your comment, please specify the Docket ID NRCS-2024-0015.
    All comments received, including those received by mail, will be 
posted without change and made publicly available on https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana Ashford-Kornburger, National 
Climate Coordinator, at (202) 205-9434, or by email at 
[email protected]. Individuals who require alternative means for 
communication may contact the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 
(voice and text telephone (TTY)) or dial 711 for Telecommunications 
Relay service (both voice and text telephone users can initiate this 
call from any telephone).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Voluntary, incentive-based approaches in agriculture play an 
important role in the United States' effort to address climate change. 
NRCS conservation programs support financial and technical assistance 
for producers to improve soil carbon; reduce nitrogen losses; or 
reduce, capture, avoid, or sequester carbon dioxide, methane, or 
nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production for 
several NRCS programs.
    The additional funding through the IRA provides NRCS with an 
unprecedented opportunity to implement conservation practices that 
provide climate mitigation benefits and quantify greenhouse gas 
emission reductions and carbon sequestration.
    For EQIP and CSP conservation activities, IRA funding may be used 
for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities and 
appropriate facilitating practices supporting their functions. While 
the IRA funding is focused on CPS that provide climate change 
mitigation benefits, NRCS also assists producers in addressing climate 
change impacts by providing climate change adaptation options and 
benefits.
    As part of the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation 
Plan,\1\ NRCS is integrating climate information into current business 
procedures, assessments, and opportunities including CPS. All CPS are 
reviewed at least once every 5 years. This request provides the public 
an opportunity to provide input at the beginning of the

[[Page 88720]]

review cycle for several CPS. NRCS will consider public comments, 
technical literature references, and input from subject matter experts 
and researchers. The CPS review process facilitates inclusion of new 
scientific findings, updated or new technology, and implementation 
experience. While NRCS welcomes comments on all CPS, as a priority NRCS 
is requesting input on the CPS listed in the two tables below, which 
are at the beginning of the review process. NRCS is also specifically 
requesting additional data and scientific literature related to the 
evaluation criteria and implementation that maximizes climate-related 
benefits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ We published our Climate Change Adaptation Plan on our 
website in July 2022; it is available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/1_FPAC_NRCS_ClimateAdaptationPlan_2022.pdf.

   Table 1--CPS for Review That Are Currently Considered Climate-Smart
             Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Code                                 Name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
313....................................  Waste Storage Facility.
314....................................  Brush Management.
315....................................  Herbaceous Weed Treatment.
336....................................  Soil Carbon Amendment.
338....................................  Prescribed Burning.
367....................................  Roofs and Covers.
383....................................  Fuel Break.
420....................................  Wildlife Habitat Planting.
554....................................  Drainage Water Management.
590....................................  Nutrient Management.
592....................................  Feed Management.
632....................................  Waste Separation Facility.
643....................................  Restoration of Rare or
                                          Declining Natural Communities.
666....................................  Forest Stand Improvement.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Table 2--CPS for Review That Are Not Currently Considered Climate-Smart
             Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Code                                 Name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
316....................................  Animal Mortality Facility.
360....................................  Waste Facility Closure.
605....................................  Denitrifying Bioreactor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mitigation

    NRCS is seeking input on improvements to maximize climate benefits 
to CPS currently considered Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry 
Mitigation Activities \2\ as well as input regarding other conservation 
practices and innovative technologies or strategies that may also 
result in climate change mitigation benefits. NRCS also requests 
information to support the agency's estimation of the mitigation 
benefits associated with conservation practices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation 
Activities List is available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/NRCS-CSAF-Mitigation-Activities-List.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adaptation

    NRCS is also seeking input to improve CPS to assist producers in 
adapting to and building resilience to current and future climate 
changes, including seasonal temperature shifts and extremes; drought; 
increasing wildfire hazards; sea level rise; movement of invasive 
species; and other issues.
    Information provided through this request will help NRCS identify 
and prioritize improvements to CPS or associated technical guidance. 
NRCS will identify immediate changes to be implemented for available 
funding for fiscal year 2026 and will continue to identify and adopt 
additional changes in the future.

List of Questions for Commenters

    The list of questions below is not exhaustive and serves only to 
assist members of the public in formulating comments on some of the 
most important issues that NRCS is considering as it relates to CPS 
with consideration of climate change benefits. For responses, please 
consider including, if available: specific requirements, tools, 
procedures, etc. supported by scientific literature, handbooks, or 
other technical standards that support a specific implementation of CPS 
to maximize the mitigation benefits or provide benefits (for those not 
considered mitigation activities); and planning or design details that 
would further enhance the mitigation benefits of the conservation 
practice. The questions are not intended to restrict the feedback that 
members of the public may provide.

Climate Change Mitigation

    1. What changes are needed to CPS to add flexibility or support 
implementation options to provide mitigation benefits? When evaluating 
conservation activities for inclusion on the Climate-Smart Mitigation 
Activity List, NRCS considers the following criteria:
    a. Mitigation Benefit: An implementation of the activity is 
expected to result in a direct impact on either (or both) the carbon or 
nitrogen cycle, resulting in net greenhouse gas emission reduction or 
removal (that is, carbon sequestration) within a given scope (for 
example, geography, timeframe, or system) as supported by the 
scientific literature; and
    b. Quantification of Estimated Benefit: For the activity under 
consideration, NRCS should have a science-based approach for 
quantitatively estimating annual mitigation benefits at a scale 
consistent with available NRCS activity data.
    2. What additional technical guidance should NRCS provide or 
develop to support planning, designing, and implementing the CPS in a 
way to maximize mitigation benefits? Input may include specific 
implementation of CPS to maximize the mitigation benefits or provide 
benefits (for those not considered mitigation activities).
    3. What models, methods, data, literature, and tools should NRCS 
consider as it develops and refines its estimation of the climate 
change mitigation benefits associated with CPS?

Climate Change Adaptation

    1. What changes are needed to CPS to add flexibility or support 
implementation options in a way that considers potential climate change 
impacts and provides adaptation benefits, when possible?
    2. What additional technical guidance should NRCS provide to 
support planning, designing, and implementing the CPS to ensure 
consideration of climate change impacts and maximize adaptation? Input 
may include specific implementation of CPS to maximize the adaptation 
benefits.

Innovation

    1. What other innovative, economically viable ideas, technologies, 
or solutions are available to provide climate change mitigation or 
adaptation benefits that NRCS should consider for development of a new 
CPS?

Maximizing the Value of Public Feedback

    NRCS plans to use the answers provided by the public to inform its 
approach to improve CPS. NRCS encourages public comment on these 
questions and requests any other information, scientific literature, or 
data that commenters believe are relevant to this request. NRCS is 
particularly interested in feedback that identifies specific CPS and 
includes scientific literature citations, data, guidance, benefit 
estimation methods, procedures or processes, and actionable 
information, data, or viable alternatives that would assist in 
implementing programmatic goals and requirements. You may contact us by 
sending an email to: [email protected], if you have 
questions or concerns. Please specify the Docket ID: NRCS-2024-0015 in 
the subject line.

[[Page 88721]]

Review of Public Feedback

    NRCS will use the public comments to inform review of our CPS and 
associated technical documents.
    This document is issued solely for informational purposes and 
program planning purposes. Public comments provided in response to this 
document will not bind NRCS to any further actions, including 
publication of any formal response or agreement to initiate a 
recommended change. NRCS will consider the feedback in the public 
comments and make changes or consider improvements at our sole 
discretion.
    Finally, comments submitted in response to this document will not 
be considered as petitions for rulemaking submitted as specified in the 
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(e)).

USDA Non-Discrimination Policy

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights 
regulations and policies, USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, 
and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are 
prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, 
religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual 
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family or parental 
status, income derived from a public assistance program, political 
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in 
any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases 
apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by 
program or incident.
    Individuals who require alternative means of communication for 
program information (for example, braille, large print, audiotape, 
American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or 
the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and text telephone 
(TTY)) or dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and 
text telephone users can initiate this call from any phone). 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and 
at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in 
the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy 
of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form 
or letter to USDA by: (1) mail to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) 
email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Louis Aspey,
Associate Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-26051 Filed 11-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P

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